Tire working tool

ABSTRACT

A tool for demounting a first and second bead of a tire mounted on a rim, the tool comprising a handle having a first end for disengaging a first tire bead from a rim and a second opposite end for disengaging a second tire bead from the rim. The first handle end includes a heel extending radially outward from the handle; an elongate arm portion extending radially outward from the heel and forming a forward opening crook; a raised arm portion disposed adjacent the crook; and a tip extending radially outward from the body portion. The opposite second end of the tool handle is configured to disengage a second bead of the tire from the rim and includes a heel extending radially outward from the handle; an elongate lever arm portion extending radially outward from the heel and defining an open crook adjacent the heel; and an elongate raised arm portion adjacent the crook extending outward to a tip portion.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/408,021 filed on Apr. 4, 2003 now Pat. No. 6,712,114 which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/694,909 filed Oct. 24, 2000now U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,479.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to a tool used for working atire from the rim of a wheel, and more particularly, to such a toolhaving a first working end that is used to demount a first tire beadfrom a wheel rim and a second working end used to demount a second tirebead from the wheel rim.

BACKGROUND ART

From time to time, pneumatic tires require repair or replacement. Toservice such tires, the tire must be removed from the wheel rim. Avariety of tools have been developed and utilized to facilitate theworking of tire. Such tools typically comprise an elongate bar having ahandle and a working end adapted to be inserted between the tire beadand wheel rim. The working end of the tool frequently has a flattened ortapered portion to facilitate insertion of the working end between thetire bead and the wheel rim. The working ends of known tools areconfigured, in profile, as either straight, curved, or angled.

To utilize the implement, the tool working portion is inserted manuallybetween the bead of the tire and its associate wheel rim. Thereafter,the user applies pressure on the handle and moves a portion of theworking end into contact with the wheel rim, whereby establishing thewheel rim as a fulcrum and making a lever of the tool. Pressure upon thehandle causes the tool working end to engage and move a segment of thetire bead inward and allows the tire bead to be stretched over the rimby moving the tool around the periphery of the tire. In more recentyears, machines have been developed which rotate the tire in conjunctionwith the use of the tool to alleviate the need for moving the tool.

While the prior art is replete with working tools, the basic design hasnot changed significantly over the years. Known designs, while workingwell to an extent, have proven less than satisfactory in providing anoptimally functional tire working implement. Some known devices removetubeless truck tires by using separate tools for each tire bead. A firstworking tool is used to stretch the first bead of the tire over the rim.Then, a second working tool is inserted between the second tire bead andthe wheel rim and leverages the second bead over the rim to completeremoval of the tire. Use of separate implements, however, increases costand complicates the procedure.

To aid in the removal process, some designs incorporate a projectionthat extends from the bottom of the flattened portion to createadditional leverage when engaged with the wheel rim. Projections,however, carry a disadvantage in that they contact the wheel rim at asingle point. Other devices use rollers as the pivot point between thetool and wheel rim. Rollers are undesirable in use because they areprone to movement during the working process and such movement canreduce the mechanical advantage provided by the tool. Still otherdesigns use a bend in the mounting tool working end to create a pivotpoint. A bend is advantageous to an extent but, as with a projection, itprovides only a single point of contact with the wheel rim. With onlyone point of contact, the tool is prone to rocking or slipping on therim during the tire removal procedure. Rocking or slipping can dislodgethe working tool and require the user to begin the working process anew.At best, rocking or slipping necessarily causes the user to exertadditional effort and concentration to maintain the working tool in itsproper position.

An additional disadvantage attends the use of conventional workingtools. During the working process, the first tire bead is typicallyremoved first by laying the tire flat on the ground or other supportingsurface and inserting the working tool between the first bead and therim. The tool is then used as a lever to work the first bead over therim. After the first bead is removed from its position on the rim, thetire is then lifted to enable insertion of the second bead working toolbetween the second bead and the rim. Thereafter, the tire is dropped andacts under force of gravity to free the second bead. As can beappreciated, this repeated manual elevation of tires requires asignificant amount of exertion by the user and may be impractical forless powerful users of the tool.

Other known second working tool designs comprise a straight tool havinga tip that angles downwardly from the longitudinal plane of the tool.While a downward bend creates a more efficient lever, the downwardlyturned tip, however, makes insertion difficult and requires insertingthe tip at a sideways angle to the bead. A user will typically insertthe tip between the tire bead and the wheel rim, leading with a cornerof the tip, and gradually working the remainder of the tip underneath.This process is time consuming, and requires significant effort. Afurther disadvantage is that, once inserted, the straight portion of thetool presses against the sidewall and tread of the tire in the course ofleveraging the tire bead. Since only the bead must be raised outside ofthe rim, the force exerted against the sidewall and tread does notdirectly contribute toward a removal of the bead. The flexible sidewall,in fact, absorbs a significant amount of force through deformationbefore useful force is transmitted to the bead. Thus, more force isrequired to operate such tools and represents, again, an ergonomicdisadvantage to the user. Moreover, by impinging against and applying asignificant leveraging force against the sidewall of the tire,conventional tools can cause damage to the tire sidewall and treadareas.

As a consequence, there is a need for a working tool that reduces thelikelihood of rocking or sliding of the tool during tire removal. Thereis a further need for a working tool that is more easily insertedbetween the bead and the rim. There is a further need for a working toolthat does not rest against the sidewall while leveraging the second tirebead from the wheel rim. There is a further need for a working tool thatdoes not require that the tire be lifted by the user in order to removethe second tire bead from the wheel rim.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide aworking tool that reduces the likelihood that the tool working end willrock or move during the removal of the tire.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a workingtool that creates more than one point of contact between the workingtool and the rim.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a workingtool having a heel portion and ball portion that provide simultaneouscontact with the wheel rim during tire removal.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a workingtool having a configuration that establishes and maintains positivecontact with the rim to reduce the likelihood of lateral rocking of thetool.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a working toolhaving a working end capable of removing the second tire bead withoutnecessitating an elevation of the tire.

It is a further objection of the present invention to provide a workingtool having a working end having a reach sufficient to extend beyond thepreviously removed first bead to demount the second bead from the rim.

It is a further objection of the present invention to provide a secondbead working tool that is more easily inserted between the second beadand the wheel rim.

It is a further objection of the present invention to provide a workingtool having a tapered tip that is more easily inserted between a tirebead and the wheel rim.

It is a further objection of the present invention to provide a secondbead working tool that does not impinge against the sidewall during tireremoval.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a second beadworking tool having a working end that is offset from the handle.

In view of these objects the present invention generally provides a tiredemounting tool comprising a handle and first and second working endsextending radially outward from opposite handle ends. The first workingend includes a heel portion and a lever arm radially extending outwardtherefrom. The lever arm comprises a rearwardly directed first segmentand a forwardly directed second segment connecting to the first segmentat a bend portion and defining with the first segment a forward openingcrook. A tip portion connects to the second arm segment and ispositioned at a remote end of the lever arm. A forwardly projecting ballportion is carried by the lever arm and is positioned proximate the bendportion. A pair of spaced apart ridges are formed to extend along aportion of the lever arm surface defining the crook and provides addedstability against a wheel rim during deployment of the tool. The leverarm narrows and tapers across the tip portion to a leading edge tofacilitate an easy insertion of the tip between a first tire bead and awheel rim. The second working end of the tool, in a first embodiment, isconfigured similarly. The second lever arm comprises a rearwardlyextending first segment and a second segment connecting to the firstsegment at a bend portion. The first and second segments define aforward facing crook at least partially defined by spaced apart ridgeprojections. The second lever arm segment is elongated to reach acrossthe first tire bead and reach the second bead, and terminates at atapered tip.

The above and other objectives are achieved by a preferred embodimentthat is described in detail below and illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a tire demounting tool accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a right side elevational view thereof.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 3—3 in FIG. 1showing in detail a first working tool according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged front elevational view of the first working toolaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the first working tool.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view thereof taken substantially along line 6—6 inFIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 7—7 in FIG. 1showing a second working tool.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged front elevational view of an alternativeembodiment of the second working tool.

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the second working tool.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 10—10 in FIG.8.

FIG. 11A is a partially schematic partially sectional and fragmentedview of a tire mounted on a rim showing insertion of the first workingtool.

FIG. 11B is a fragmented partially sectional side elevational view ofthe tire, rim, and first working tool showing removal of the first bead.

FIG. 11C is a fragmented partially sectional side elevational view ofthe rim, tire, and first working tool showing removal of the first beadof the tire.

FIG. 12A is a partially schematic side elevational view of the rim andthe tire shown in section showing insertion of the second working tool.

FIG. 12B is an enlarged side elevational view with the tire in sectionand a portion of the second working tool broken away showing the secondworking tool fully inserted.

FIG. 12C is an enlarged side elevational view of the rim, tire, andsecond working tool with the tire shown in section and showing theremoval of the second bead of the tire by the second working tool.

FIG. 12D is a partially schematic side elevational view of the rim,tire, and second working tool showing the second bead of the tireremoved from the rim by the second working tool.

FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of an alternative embodiment of theworking tool having an alternative second working tool.

FIG. 14 is a left side elevational view thereof.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged front elevational view thereof.

FIG. 16 is a right side elevational view thereof.

FIG. 17 is a left side elevational view thereof.

FIG. 17A is a partially schematic, partially fragmented, and partiallysectional view of the tire, rim, and alternative second working toolshowing the insertion of the alternative second working tool.

FIG. 17B is an enlarged partially sectional fragmented side elevationalview thereof showing the alternative second working tool fully inserted.

FIG. 17C is a side elevational view of the tire, rim, and thealternative working tool with the tire shown in section showing removalof the second bead using the alternative second working tool.

FIG. 17D is a partially sectional fragmented side elevational view ofthe rim, tire, and the alternative working tool with the tire shown insection, showing the second bead of the tire removed from the rim by thealternative second working end of the tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in FIGS. 11, 12, and 17, a tire 10 may be mounted to a wheelrim 12 by a first bead 14 and a second bead 16. First bead 14 and secondbead 16 radially contact an outer surface 18 of rim 12 and are laterallyconstrained by flanges 19 of rim 12. To remove tire 10, the first bead14 and the second bead 16 are stretched over flanges 19 by a workingtool.

A working tool according to the present invention is generally referredto by the numeral 20 in the accompanying figures. Working tool 20generally includes a handle 22, a first working end 24, and a secondworking end 26. First working end 24 and second end 26 are functional inremoving first bead 14 and second bead 16, respectively. As shown inFIG. 1, first and second working ends 24, 26 represent opposite ends ofa single handle 22. However, it will be readily appreciated that,alternatively, first and second working ends 24, 26 may be incorporatedinto separate tools, each having its own handle.

The handle 22 in the preferred embodiment is depicted as being ofgenerally circular cross-section and having a substantially straightbody midsection. However, the invention is not intended to be sorestricted. Alternative handles maybe asymmetrical in cross-section orincorporate alternate longitudinal or sectional shapes. Accordingly, asused herein the term “radial” or “radially” shall mean a directiontransverse to the longitudinal axis of the tool without any intendedimplication that the tool is necessarily of circular cross-section.Similarly, the terms “axial” or “axially” shall mean a directiongenerally along the longitudinal axis of the tool without any intendedimplication that the tool is straight throughout the length of thehandle. Other alternative handles may have geometric irregularitiesalong their respective lengths without departing from the teachings ofthe invention.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, first working end 24 generally includes aheel 28; a body portion 30 extending outward from heel 28; and a tip 32at the remote end of body portion 30. Heel 28, body portion 30, and tip32 extend generally radially outward from handle 22 substantially alonga first plane P as shown in FIG. 4. First working end 24 includes a bendportion 33 depending below plane P and positioned between tip 32 andheel 28, preferably proximate to heel 28. It should be understood thatbend portion 33 is carried on body portion 30 and formed in any knownmanner. Bend portion 33 may be formed having alternative shapes withoutdeparting from the invention provided that such alternative shapesprovide the capability of impeding the first tire bead 14 from slidingalong the body 30 and toward the heel 28 during the removal procedure,as will be described below. In the embodiment shown, bend portion 33 isgenerally wedge-shaped having a first segment 34 extending outward anddownward from heel 28 and terminating at a peak 36, which may be roundedover. From peak 36 a second segment 38 of bend portion 33 extendsoutward and upward and defines an upwardly opening, generallytriangular, cavity or crook 39 between first and second segments 34, 38.Second segment 38 terminates at a ball portion 40 of the body portion30. Ball portion 40 may be formed in the same manner as bend portion 33and comprises a surface extending outward and above plane P. As shown,ball portion 40 is configured as a shallow curved segment of bodyportion 30. From the ball portion 40 a third segment 42 extends radiallyoutward and downward to a knuckle 44. Tip 32 extends radially outwardand upward from knuckle 44 and represents the terminal end of the body30.

As can be appreciated, first working end 24 comprises a plurality ofseparate segments described above formed, in the preferred embodiment,as an integral unit. Alternatively, the first peak 36, ball 40 andknuckle 44 may be formed as independent projections carried by the bodyportion 30. For example, peak 36, ball 40 or knuckle 44 may be attachedto a generally flat body portion 30 and represent projections from thegeneral plane of body portion 30. Similarly, heel 28 may be flat, i.e.extending generally perpendicular to handle 24 or it may extend at anangle outward from handle 22. As shown, heel 28 is curved and extendsgenerally along a line perpendicular to handle 24.

With further reference to FIG. 4, the first working end 24 may taperfrom heel 28 to tip 32. As best shown in FIG. 3, lower surface 46 may besmooth. As shown in FIG. 5, a creased upper surface 46 may be used.Creased upper surface 46 has a generally centrally located crease 48that extends along the longitudinal axis of body 30 and defines a pairof lateral ridges 50, 52. Crease 48 extends from first segment 34 toball portion 40, leaving the tip 32 uncreased. Tip 32 may include arounded front edge 54. While rounded in the preferred embodiment, itshould be understood that edge 54 of tip 32 may be a plurality ofalternative conventional shapes.

As best shown in FIG. 4, ball 40 extends upward to substantially thesame extent as an upward crown 56 of heel 28. That is, the outermostsurface of heel and ball 40 are substantially coplanar. Alternatively,the ball 40 may extend outward to a lesser extent than heel 28 asrepresented in FIG. 4. In addition, tip 32 extends outward to a lesserextent than ball 40. When considering such an alignment, a lineconnecting tip 32, ball 40, and heel 28 would be disposed somewhat at anangle less than perpendicular to handle 22. Angular disposition of thesecomponents is intended to ease insertion of first working end 24 betweenthe first tire bead 14 and the wheel rim 12.

As best shown in FIG. 11A, the first working end 24 is used to removethe first tire bead 14. First working end 24 is inserted downwardlybetween rim 12 and first bead 14, in the direction of the arrow F, untilthe first segment 34 contacts the rim 12. Tip 32 is the first portion offirst working end 24 to contact bead 14. Since tip 32 is angled outward,it conforms generally to the peripheral contour of flange 19. Suchconformance allows the tip 32 to readily slip between the rim 12 andfirst bead 14 without inflicting damage to the tire. As tip 32 isinserted, the angled lower surface thereof forces the first bead 14outward from rim 12.

Once the tip 32 is fully inserted, FIG. 11B, the user rotates handle 22in the direction of arrow H. The first working end 24 contacts the rim12 and establishes the flange 19 as a working fulcrum. As shown in FIG.11B, crook 39 of middle portion 30 effectively traps flange 19 betweenfirst segment 34 and second segment 38. As the tool working end 24 isrotated, upper surface 46 contacts the flange 19 where the ridges 50, 52of the creased surface 46 form two points of contact against flange 19.As can be appreciated, the two point contact established between theridges 50, 52 and the flange 19 helps prevent the first tool end 24 fromrocking laterally and serves to stabilize the application of leverage.

As the handle 22 continues to rotate, the first working end 24 lifts thefirst bead 14 over the rim 12. As illustrated in FIG. 11B, the firstbead 14 is stretched outward from rim 12 away from its natural at-restposition. So stretched, induced forces within the first bead 14 act toattempt a return of the first bead to its natural position. Thwartedfrom a return to an inward position by the working end 24, the firstbead 14 tends to move upward along the second segment 38 toward rim 12.Raised portion 33, however, interferes with such movement and impedesthe first bead 14 from moving inward until the first bead 14 is liftedover the flange 19.

As the first working end 24 continues to rotate in direction H, FIG.11C, the wedge-like bend portion 33 assumes a position placing thesecond segments 38 generally parallel to the upper surface of the rim12. So positioned, the first bead 14 is no longer contained by bendportion 33 and expands inward to a position over the rim 12. As can beappreciated, the amount of resistance to such inward expansion exertedby bend portion 33 decreases with progressive rotation of the tool 20.Immediately, prior to a release of the first bead 14, heel 28 contactsthe rim 12. As shown in FIG. 11C, the heel 28 and the middle portion ofbody 30 create two points of contact against the rim 12 and serve tothereby stabilize the working tool 24 as the first bead 14 moves inward.As shown, tip 32 contacts the sidewall 57 of tire 10 and levers the tire10 upward, as shown by arrow T.

Once the first bead 14 is removed, the tire 10 is demounted completelyby removing second bead 16. To that end, the second working end 26 isutilized. As previously discussed, second working end 26 may be mountedon a separate tool, or, as shown in FIG. 1, integrated on the samehandle 22 as first working end 24. If mounted on a single handle 22,first and second ends 24, 26 may be in any radial position relative toeach other including a diametrically opposed relative position. If thetool ends 24, 26 are opposed; the user may use the end that is not inuse as a hand hold. As can be understood, the radially extending endopposite to the inserted end, in addition to providing a hand hold, alsoprovides additional leverage.

Second working end 26 has components similar to first working end 24. Asshown in FIGS. 7 and 8, second working end 26 includes a heel 60, amiddle portion 62, and a tip 64. Heel 60 extends radially outward fromhandle 22 at a generally perpendicular relationship. Heel 60 may be ofany shape, and as shown may include a rounded outer surface 65. Itshould be understood that heel 60 may be formed from a plurality ofjoined segments or, as shown, as a single curved segment.

Middle portion 62, located adjacent to heel 60, includes a raisedportion 66 extending axially inward from heel 60. As discussed in regardto raised portion 33 of first end 24, raised portion 66 may be of anyshape or number of segments so long as it extends axially inwardly of asecond working end plane S. Preferably, raised portion 66 includes arounded top surface 68.

An elongated ball portion 70 extends radially and axially outward fromraised portion 66. Ball portion 70 extends outward of the second toolend plane S, and may be formed of multiple segments or, as shown, as asingle curved segment. Preferably, the ball portion 70 is shaped tosubstantially conform to the inner surface 18 of the wheel rim 12. Asbest shown in FIG. 12A, the second working end 26 is inserted downwardbetween the wheel rim flange 19 and the first bead 14 of the tire 10.The ball portion 70, as configured in FIG. 12A, remains close to the rim12 whereby positioning the tip 64 for insertion between the second bead16 and the rim 12. Ball portion 70 terminates in a knuckle 72. The ballportion 70 may generally taper in cross-sectional dimension toward tip64. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, ball portion 70 may broaden in itswidth dimension from center line CL forming a flattened bill 74 near tip64. Moreover, with further reference to FIG. 7, tip 64 may taperinwardly in width from bill 74 toward center line CL, and have a roundedouter edge 76.

The lower surface 78 of the second tool end 26 may be creased in afashion similar to first tool end 24. As best shown in FIG. 9, lowersurface 78 has a crease 80 generally located at the center of lowersurface 78 and extending from the beginning of ball portion 70 to raisedportion 66, and may partially extend into bill 74. As shown in FIG. 10,crease 80 defines ridges 82, 84, which stabilize the second working end26 in a similar fashion to the ridges 50, 52 of first tool end 24.

With reference to FIGS. 12A-12D, second working end 26 is used todemount the second tire bead 16. As shown in FIG. 12A second working end26 is inserted past first bead 14, and the tip 64 feels its way alongthe inner surface 18 of rim 12. To insert the second working end 26, theuser forces the tool end downwardly in the direction of arrow F. Theuser inserts second tool end 26 by pressing down on handle 22 to causethe tip 64 to move downwardly past first bead 14. The ball 70 closelyconforms to inner surface 18 of rim 12 holding tip 64 near to innersurface 18 and positioning tip 64 for its insertion between second bead16 and rim 12. The angled outer surface 88 of tip 64 facilitatesinsertion between second bead 16 and rim 12. Engagement between thesurface 88 and the second bead 16 pushes second bead 16 radially outwardfrom the rim 12 as the tip 64 passes.

Once fully inserted, FIG. 12B, second bead 16 moves radially inwardalong the upper surface 90 of bill 74. Subsequent rotation of the handle22 in the direction of arrow H causes the second bead 16 to be lifted inthe direction of arrow B. Since second bead 16 has moved inwardly of tip64 second bead 16 is effectively trapped between knuckle 72 and raisedportion 66. So captured, the second bead 16 is prevented from travelingoutward over tip 64. As can be appreciated, a tool end having a middleportion 62 and tip 64 linearly configured or angled in an outwarddirection would, contrary to the present invention, allow second bead 16to slide outward as the tool is rotated. Such movement could allow thesecond bead 16 to slip over tip 64 forcing the user to restart thesecond bead demounting process.

As the user continues to rotate handle 22 in the direction of arrow H,FIG. 12C, the clearance provided by the axially outwardly extending ball70 allows the tire sidewall to rest on the upper surface of ball 70. Asshown, a curved upper surface 90 beneficially cups the sidewall anddistributes the upward force applied by the tool along substantially theentire sidewall. In the position shown in FIG. 12C, the second tool end26 lifts the tire 10 upward in direction J over rim flange 19. The crook96 defined by raised portion 66 rests on rim flange 19, and the creasedlower surface ridges 82, 84 contact rim flange 19 along two spaced apartpoints of contact. As discussed with respect to first tool end 24, theridges 82, 84 reduce lateral rocking of the second working end 26 duringthe leveraging procedure and facilitate a more efficient application ofleveraging force.

As the tire 10 reaches the complete removal point, FIG. 12D, both theheel 60 and the middle portion 62 contact rim 12 to provide a stableplatform by which to finish the removal of tire 10 in direction K.

As demonstrated in FIGS. 12A-12D, second working end 26 may be usedwithout elevating tire 10. Obviating the need to lift tire 10 is anadvantage to less powerful users of the subject tool. Other users,however, may prefer to follow the more conventional procedure ofelevating the tire 10 and using gravity to demount the second bead 16.

To that end, an alternative second working end 100 is shown in FIGS.13-17. Alternative working end 100 is offset from handle 22 by a segment102. Offset segment 102 spaces the alternative second working end 100from handle 22 and may be angular, curved, or straight, as shown. Asshown in FIG. 13, the offset segment may extend perpendicularly fromhandle 22. When alternative working end 100 and first working end 24 areplaced on a single handle 22, the offset segment 102 provides the userwith additional leverage when demounting the first bead 14. For example,the user can use alternative working end 100 as a hand hold duringworking the first bead 14, and the offset segment 102 acts to increasethe effective lever arm between the user's hand and the tip 32.

Alternative working end 100 generally includes a shaft 104 and a tip106. Tip 106 may be tapered in cross-section to facilitate itsinsertion. Further, tip 106 may be provided with a bulge 108 on anunderside adjacent to shaft 104. It should be understood that bulge 108may be of any shape and is used to catch the rim flange 19 of the wheelrim 12 after the tip 106 is fully inserted. As best shown in FIG. 15,shaft 104 may be tapered in the axial, outward direction toward tip 106and, as shown in FIG. 16, bulge 108 may interrupt the taper of shaft 104and tip 106.

FIGS. 17A-17B illustrate the demounting of the second bead 16 of tire 10using alternative end 100. To demount the second bead 16, the userelevates tire 10 to a generally vertical position, FIG. 17A, creating anarea of contact 112 between the supporting surface 114 and the tire 10.So positioned, the rim 12 is suspended by second bead 16. Alternativesecond working end 100 is inserted between the rim 12 and second bead 16near the top of rim 12. Offset segment 102 creates a clearance betweenthe sidewall of tire 10 and the wheel rim, easing the insertion of tip106. Once fully inserted, FIG. 17B, offset segment 102 abuts sidewall57, and bulge 108 rests against rim flange 19. Subsequently, the userreleases tire 10 to fall in a direction M toward working tool 20.

As shown in FIG. 17C, at the point of release, bulge 108 hooks rimflange 19 preventing the alternative tool end 100 from being forced outby the force of the stretched second bead 16. To demount the tire, theuser may simply allow the tire to fall while holding the handle 22, orthe user may elevate handle 22 somewhat, against the tire's rotation, asshown by arrow H.

At the point of release, the tire 10 and rim 12 initially rotatetogether about the point of contact 112. At some point during therotation, the alternative tool end 100 held fixed or rotating oppositeto the direction of the tire 10 prevents the continued rotation of thetire 10. The tool end 100 stretches the second bead 16 over rim flange19 and frees the rim 12 to fall independently. The tire 10 is held bythe handle 22 of working tool 20 as the rim 12 falls free.

Focusing on the contact between alternative second working end 100 andsecond bead 16, the tool end 100 creates a counter force acting againstsecond bead 16 in a direction opposite to the downward motion of the rim12. In particular, ball 108 contacts flange 19 creating a fulcrum. Theshaft 104 and offset 102 rotate about ball 108 respectively stretchingsecond bead 16 away and over rim 12.

As best shown in FIG. 17C, offset 102 prevents the shaft 104 fromcontacting the tire sidewall 57. Accordingly, substantially all of theforce applied along the shaft 104 is focused toward the fulcrum 108 andapplied to stretch the second bead 16 away from rim 12. None of theapplied forced is lost due to induced deflection of the tire sidewall54. Similarly, any contact between offset 102 and tire 10 is initiallyfocused at the second bead 16, FIG. 17B, and pushes the second bead 16over rim 12. As can be appreciated, the maximum magnitude of force isgenerated as the second bead 16 is stretched over rim 12. Avoidingcontact between the shaft 104 and the sidewall 57 also reduces thepotential for damage to tire sidewall 57. Once the second bead 16 isdisengaged, FIG. 17C, the working end 100 may fall with rim 12. At thispoint, sidewall 57 may contact offset 102 or handle 22. To furtherreduce the likelihood to damage sidewall 57, the joint 116 betweenhandle 22 and offset 102 may be rounded.

As shown, alternative tool end 100 may be integrally formed with handle22, but it should be understood that alternative tool end 100 may beconstructed of individual members attached to handle 22 and to eachother. As can further be appreciated, working tool 20 may be constructedof a variety of materials, including but not limited to metals,polymeric materials, wood, and ceramics, capable of withstanding theforces generated during the working process. Moreover, due to thediffering stresses faced by each component, the individual components,for example handle 22 and tool ends 24, 26, 100, may be made ofdifferent respective materials. As shown, working tool 20 is constructedof steel.

It will be appreciated from a comparison of the embodiment of the firstworking end 24 depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5 with the embodiment of thesecond working end 26 depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8 that the two embodimentsare configured similarly. Both embodiments of the working ends 24, 26comprise a heel portion (28, 66, respectively) positioned at an end of ahandle 22 and a substantially serpentine lever arm extending outwardfrom the heel portion (28, 66). The lever arms are “serpentine” in thesense that they comprise a series of directionally variant segments. Thelever arm comprises a first segment projecting rearward from the heelportion to a bend (36, 66, respectively). An outer second arm segmentconnects to the first segment at the bend portion and defines with thefirst segment a forward opening crook (39). A tip portion (32, 64) isconnected to the second arm segment and projects forward and outwardtherefrom to a terminal edge.

Each working end 24, 26 shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7, 8, respectively,further includes a ball portion in the second arm segment at a positionproximate to the tip portion. At least one longitudinal ridge andpreferably two spaced-apart ridges 50, 52 are provided for enhancing thestability of the tool during bead removal. The ridges 50, 52 extendalong an upper surface of the lever arm along at least a portion of thelever arm defining the crook. Preferably, although not necessarily, theridges 50, 52 extend continuously from the second arm segment along thebend portion of the lever arm and along a portion of the first armsegment.

The lever arms of the working ends 24, 26 widen toward the tip portions32, 64 then may narrow along the tip portions to an outer respectiveterminal edge. The lever arm of the second working end 26 is modifiedfrom the lever arm of the first working end 24 by an elongation of thesecond arm segment toward the tip 64. The elongation enables the tip 64of the second working end 26 to span the tire and reach the second bead16. The curvature of the ball portion surface 90 of the lever arm isadapted to conform to the external curvature of a tire for the purposeof demounting the tire second bead as described above.

It should be apparent that the invention as described above satisfiesthe stated objects among others. It should be understood that thepreceding is merely a detailed description of a preferred embodiment ofthis invention and that various modifications and equivalents can bemade without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thepreceding description, therefore, is not meant to limit the scope of theinvention. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined by theappended claims and their equivalents.

1. A tire demounting tool for demounting at least a bead of a tire overa rim of a wheel, comprising: a handle; a working end extending from oneend of the handle, the working end comprising: a) a heel portion havinga rounded outer surface; b) an elongate lever arm adapted to extendbetween the wheel rim and a bead of the tire and having a reach adaptedto span the wheel rim to a distal bead of the tire, wherein the leverarm includes a raised portion extending axially inward from the heel,the raised portion having a rounded surface and defining a crook adaptedto receive the wheel rim such that the heel portion remains outside ofthe wheel rim.
 2. A tire demounting tool comprising: a handle; a workingtool extending from one end of the handle; the working tool including afirst bend proximate the end of the handle and extending a first portionof the working tool radially outward and axially inward; said first bendhaving a rounded surface and defining a heel; a second bend between saidfirst portion and a second portion of the working tool, said secondportion extending radially outward and axially outward, said second benddefining a raised portion having a rounded surface and disposed axiallyinward of the heel; and a third bend terminating the second portion,said third bend extending a third portion of the working tool radiallyoutward, said third bend defining a ball portion, and a fourth bendterminating the third portion of the working tool, said fourth bendextending a fourth portion of the working tool radially outward andaxially outward, said fourth portion defining a tip.